Five members of Bangladesh’s law enforcement agencies, including two from the Dhaka North Detective Branch (DB) and three from RAB-10, have been suspended and jailed for allegedly robbing Tk 6.5 million from a gold trader in Savar. The suspects, posing as DB officers, intercepted the trader in Munshiganj’s Srinagar area on November 7 and seized his cash and phone. Following a detailed investigation using CCTV footage from the Mawa Expressway, police identified the microbus used in the robbery and arrested its driver, Kabir Hossain, along with the accused officers. The incident has caused embarrassment within the police administration, as initial findings confirmed the involvement of active law enforcement personnel in the crime. Authorities have assured that departmental and legal actions are underway.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin stated that the Election Commission (EC) will review and discuss the proposal announced by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus to hold the national parliamentary election and a referendum on the July Charter on the same day. Speaking to reporters during a dialogue with political parties, the CEC said he had not yet heard the adviser’s full speech and therefore could not comment on the matter. He emphasized that the EC would form an opinion only after formally receiving details of the proposal and analyzing its feasibility. The CEC refrained from making any immediate statement, saying it would be premature to comment without proper understanding of the proposal’s scope and implications.

In Jhenaidah, Bangladesh, agitated students and locals demolished the 'One Finger' monument of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Shadhinata Chattar on Thursday morning. According to eyewitnesses, members of an anti-discrimination student movement carried out the demolition using a bulldozer during a protest against the Awami League’s lockdown announcement, vehicle arson, and political unrest. The monument, previously damaged during protests on August 5, was completely destroyed this time. Police confirmed the incident and said they visited the site for investigation. The destruction reflects escalating tensions between student groups and political authorities amid ongoing demonstrations across the region.

During a White House meeting on November 10, U.S. President Donald Trump sprayed his own brand of perfume on Syria’s interim president Ahmad al-Shara, jokingly asking how many wives he had. The lighthearted exchange, captured on video, quickly went viral on social media, drawing mixed reactions—some calling it an awkward breach of protocol, others viewing it as Trump’s trademark humor. The meeting, the first between U.S. and Syrian leaders since Bashar al-Assad’s fall, focused on post-war stability, U.S. troop withdrawal, and reconstruction. Al-Shara, formerly known as Abu Muhammad al-Jolani and once labeled a global terrorist, now seeks international legitimacy. Analysts say the encounter marked a historic step in rebuilding U.S.-Syria relations, though the ‘perfume moment’ overshadowed the diplomatic agenda.

A week after announcing a list of 237 potential candidates, Bangladesh’s main opposition party BNP has not yet finalized its seat-sharing arrangements with allied parties, causing dissatisfaction among partners. BNP leaders fear that many of their potential candidates have already begun campaigning in constituencies eyed by allies, which could lead to conflicts or independent candidacies if seats are later reassigned. The BNP’s liaison committee has started formal meetings with alliance partners, including the Nationalist Like-minded Alliance and the 12-Party Alliance, to settle the issue. Preliminary discussions suggest around 22 seats may be allocated to various allied groups such as Ganatantra Mancha, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, and others. Party insiders say some allies have received informal assurances, while BNP may offer organizational roles to those excluded from the final list.

Scientists have warned that multiple geomagnetic storms are striking Earth this week, following several coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the Sun. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) classified the event as a G4-level geomagnetic storm, indicating severe intensity. The storms have already caused temporary radio blackouts in parts of Africa and Europe and may disrupt satellite communications and power grids. However, they have also produced spectacular aurora displays visible across regions of the United States, Canada, and northern Europe. The solar activity is part of the Sun’s 11-year magnetic cycle, currently at its peak, which has led to frequent auroral sightings in recent months. While not directly harmful to humans, such storms can interfere with GPS navigation, aviation communication, and satellite operations.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has withdrawn expulsion and suspension orders previously issued against 17 of its leaders for alleged breaches of party discipline and principles. According to a press release signed by Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday, the decision was made following appeals from the affected leaders and consultation with senior party figures. The reinstated members include leaders from Narayanganj, Gazipur, Dinajpur, Habiganj, Bhola, Chapainawabganj, Chattogram, Noakhali, and Cumilla districts. Among them are several thana and upazila-level BNP and Jubo Dal leaders. Additionally, the suspension of the president and general secretary of Habiganj’s Baniachang upazila BNP has also been lifted, restoring their primary and organizational memberships within the party.

Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology has issued warnings for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, flash floods, and hail expected to hit several regions over the weekend. The most intense weather is forecast for Jazan, while Asir, Al Baha, and Mecca will experience moderate to heavy thunderstorms. Lighter rain is expected in Najran, Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and Medina. Strong surface winds and dust storms may reduce visibility, and fog could develop overnight in southwestern and eastern areas. Maritime conditions are also set to worsen, with waves reaching up to 2.5 meters in the southern Red Sea and 1.5 meters in the Arabian Gulf. Authorities have urged residents to stay alert, avoid flood-prone zones, and follow official weather updates as unstable seasonal patterns persist.

Former President Donald Trump defended the use of H-1B visas in a recent Fox News interview, arguing that the United States must bring in foreign workers with specialized skills that some American workers currently lack. He said that while the U.S. has many talented people, certain industries—such as automotive and artificial intelligence—require expertise that cannot always be sourced domestically. Trump’s remarks contrast with his previous hardline immigration stance, which included raising the H-1B visa fee to $100,000. The comments come amid ongoing debate among his allies, including Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk, over balancing immigration restrictions with the need for global talent. Trump also reiterated support for temporary work permits for immigrant farmworkers, citing labor shortages in agriculture.

The government has appointed Professor Ali Riaz, former vice-chairman of the recently expired National Consensus Commission, as the special assistant to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. The Cabinet Division issued a notification on Thursday, signed by Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid, confirming the appointment. In his new role, Riaz will enjoy the status, salary, and privileges equivalent to that of an adviser. Professor Riaz, a distinguished professor of politics and government at Illinois State University in the United States, previously led the Constitutional Reform Commission formed after the July uprising and later served as vice-chairman of the National Consensus Commission. He played a key role in the commission’s dialogues with political parties on reform issues before its term ended on October 31.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that two suicide bombers involved in recent attacks across the country were Afghan nationals. Speaking in parliament, Naqvi confirmed several arrests linked to the incidents. One attack occurred at the entrance of Islamabad’s district court complex, killing at least 12 and injuring over 30. Another took place at a cadet college in South Waziristan near the Afghan border, involving a car bomb. Authorities have detained seven suspects in Rawalpindi and conducted operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have sharply deteriorated, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of harboring militants responsible for cross-border attacks, a claim Afghanistan denies. Pakistan’s defense minister warned that the country might strike targets inside Afghanistan following the recent violence.

Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has called on all members of the Bangladesh Infantry Regiment (BIR) to enhance their capabilities through modern and time-appropriate training to effectively face the complex challenges of the 21st century. Speaking as the chief guest at the 20th Annual Commanders’ Conference 2025 held at the Bangladesh Infantry Regimental Center in Rajshahi, he highlighted the regiment’s proud heritage and contributions to national service. The Army Chief also discussed technological advancement, research, professional skill development, and future planning with BIR officers. Senior military officials from the Army Training and Doctrine Command, the 11th Infantry Division, and Bogura Area Command, along with officers and media representatives, attended the event.

The United States has imposed new sanctions on 32 individuals and entities from several countries, including India, targeting networks that support Iran’s ballistic missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programs. According to the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the sanctioned parties are based in Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, China, Hong Kong, India, Germany, and Ukraine. Washington accuses these networks of aiding Iran’s weapons production capabilities. Tehran, however, insists its missile and drone programs are purely defensive and that its nuclear activities are peaceful. The move comes amid indirect talks between Tehran and Washington and follows recent US and Israeli military actions against Iran, which Tehran has denounced as violations of international law.

The 77th birth anniversary of renowned Bangladeshi writer and filmmaker Humayun Ahmed was celebrated in Netrokona with various programs including processions, prayers, discussions, and cultural performances. The main events took place at Shahid Smriti Bidyapith in Kutubpur, Kendua, where floral tributes were offered to the author’s sculpture. Local officials, teachers, and students participated, highlighting Ahmed’s literary legacy and influence on Bangladeshi culture. Another celebration organized by the group ‘Himu Pathok Adda’ featured a rally from the central Shaheed Minar to Moktarpara field, followed by speeches from the Deputy Commissioner, police officials, and local poets. Speakers praised Ahmed’s ability to connect art with nature and his contribution to building a strong reading culture in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-1 has set November 17 for delivering the verdict in a war crimes case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and ex-IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. The case involves allegations of crimes against humanity during the July uprising. Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam sought the maximum penalty for the accused, while state-appointed defense lawyer Amir Hossain expressed hope that Hasina and her co-accused would be acquitted. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumdar, heard testimonies from 54 witnesses over 28 working days. Among the accused, only Al-Mamun is in custody and has given a confessional statement. The tribunal had framed five charges of crimes against humanity and genocide against the three on July 10, following an investigation report submitted in May.